What is Butter Good for?
Butter often gets a bad rapport. The increased production of margarine and other butter substitutes illustrates the modern population's aversion to the dairy product. However, butter can be good for many things; some of its benefits might even surprise you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Kitchen Uses
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Butter can be used around the kitchen for various tasks. It helps to keep cheese fresh; after slicing a favorite hard cheese, rub butter on the edge and rewrap. The butter will keep it from getting moldy and hard. Butter also works to keep onions from going bad. If only using half an onion, rub the other half with butter and wrap in foil. Once in the refrigerator, it will last longer.
Bathroom Uses
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Surprisingly, butter can even be beneficial in the bathroom. Rub a chunk into dry or brittle hair, cover hair with a shower cap and wait 30 minutes. The butter will soften and help hydrate the hair. Afterwards, shampoo, rinse and repeat. In a pinch, butter can also be used as shaving cream substitute. Spread butter onto wet skin, and it will help give a close and smooth shave.
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Cleaning Uses
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If the family has gone fishing and all reek of fish, rub butter on everyone's hands. Wash and rinse, and the fish smell should be gone. This same technique also works for removing sticky tree sap from hands. Butter can be used to remove ink from cloth or plastic surfaces; rub butter on the surface and set the product in the sun for a few days.
Energy Uses
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Butter can be converted into biodiesel. In dairy-rich states like Pennsylvania, butter is being taken to facilities and made into the renewable energy source. Farmers, while providing for peoples' needs for centuries, are now using an opportunity to provide dairy for fuel products.
Health Benefits
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Although most would not suspect it, butter can provide several health benefits. Butter is recommended as part of incorporating healthy fats and oils into a diet. BodyEcology.com notes that butter is rich in an easily-absorbed form of vitamin A. In addition, it contains antioxidants, which are beneficial to the body, and is a great source of vitamins D, K and E. Margarine, though lower in cholesterol, is much more processed and may not provide the benefits of pure butter.
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